The Military Police’s decision was taken following media reports of the incident and widespread sharing of the footage. Military Judge Maj. Meir Vigiser has issued a gag order on the details of the investigation and the soldiers who have been arrested.

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The soldiers from the 50th Battalion were recorded beating the restrained Haisam Siaj, whom they had detained on suspicion of planning a terrorist attack.

Screenshot of the footage

The soldiers alleged that during his detention, Siaj attempted to escape, prompting the soldiers to forcefully prevent him from doing so. A violent fracas then ensued after the suspect allegedly attacked them and hit their commander in the face, giving him a black eye as the two wrestled on the ground.

Haisam Siaj

IDF officials responded to the footage, arguing that it had been tendentiously edited. The officials pointed out that, prior to the suspect’s transfer to the Shin Bet, he received medical treatment at a military camp in the area.